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Balanced (XLR) CD player recommendations

Hi folks,
I’m looking for some balanced CD player recommendations that would match with my Krell KAV-300i intergrated. I had posted a question in the amps section several weeks ago regarding using balanced connection for the Krell—as I noticed a significant difference when connected via XLR on an NAD S500 CD player. The player was returned due to a fussy problem reading certain redbook cd’s, but the balanced connection was superior over rca. I’m now looking for another balanced player and I’m considering the following this far (as I’m not sure what else is out there). My budget is $550, but I may stretch it to $650 if needed. I’d like to find a matching Krell KAV-250cd/2, but they are hard to find. My speakers are Vandersteen 2c and cables are Kimber 4tc and PBJ interconnects. 

1. Creek CD53
2. Cambridge Audio 840c
3. Rotel RCD-991
4. Emotiva ERC-3
4. Krell KAV-250cd/2

jsbach1685

Showing 2 responses by initforthemusic

initforthemusic
237 posts
 
I'll relate my experience with Rotel RCD-991. Purchased ex-demo early 2000's. Vinyl was  my primary source at the time, so the Rotel served the purpose as secondary source.

Fast forward to 2011 after a break from Audio, decided to purchase a new Digital Spinner, the Rotel sounded like "A Piece Of Crap, to quote the great Neil Young. After sitting unused for three years or so, decided to get the RCD-991 upgraded by Burson, having read positive reports. They upgraded the Clock/Crystal & OPamps. The difference is staggering, the Rotel RCD-991, which was previously unlistenable now comes close to my Unison Research CDE, (using Balanced) the best CD Player I've experienced.
For Aus$350 parts & labour 3 or 4 year ago, the improvement is close to 2k worth in sound quality.

So can't recommend the RCD-991, stock, but if you have access to Burson or equivalent component upgrades, then definitely. Has been a reliable Player also.
initforthemusic
237 posts
 
@jsbach1685

Realise you are on a restricted budget, but I'd personally advise against an older generation Player, unless the critical components can be upgraded. Every time I hear one of those older generation Players (stock), (and some were very expensive), they sound horrid, really fatiguing and poor dimensionality, micro/macro dynamics etc. Unlistenable, just poor musicality.
Good luck in your search.
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